Taking empty bottle through airport security?

LadyDee

I know there have been threads related to this question before but they are quite old.

Does anybody have recent experience of taking an empty drinks bottle through security at Heathrow Airport please? Would it be a problem?

TIA

Nick_C

Shouldn't be a problem, but no recent experience. Try it, what have you got to lose? Probably best to keep it loose in the tray that goes through the scanner.

LadyDee

Nick_C wrote: »

Shouldn't be a problem, but no recent experience. Try it, what have you got to lose? Probably best to keep it loose in the tray that goes through the scanner.

Thanks, but what I have to lose is an expensive Cambelbak water bottle - my reason for using this bottle is a medical difficulty with drinking out of a ordinary spout.

Macca83_2

Can you get a similar bottle but cheaper in value so it won't cause any issues if you have to give it up?

I can't see it being a problem as long as it doesn't contain liquid. Could you contact the airport to find out for definate?

LadyDee

Macca83 wrote: »

Can you get a similar bottle but cheaper in value so it won't cause any issues if you have to give it up?

I can't see it being a problem as long as it doesn't contain liquid. Could you contact the airport to find out for definate?

That's an excellent idea, thank you - will probably do that if I can find one similar.

I rather suspect that it's very much a lottery with regard to this sort of thing - probably depends very much on the interpretation of the rules by the security person that one happens to deal with; plus I suppose things are always changing/being updated.

Macca83_2

LadyDee wrote: »

That's an excellent idea, thank you - will probably do that if I can find one similar.

I rather suspect that it's very much a lottery with regard to this sort of thing - probably depends very much on the interpretation of the rules by the security person that one happens to deal with; plus I suppose things are always changing/being updated.

That's what I'd be worried about. One guard may let it slide but you may find that on your return the other airport may not allow it. But on saying that, how do mothers with small children manage with feed bottles and toddler cups.

NiftyDigits

No problems with empty bottles. Don't worry.

zzzLazyDaisy

I am presuming that you need the water bottle on the flight, so it can't go in your hold luggage?

As others have said, if it is empty, there shouldn't be a problem. However, if you are still worried you could consider getting a letter from your GP/consultant stating that owing to a medical condition the water bottle is an essential disability aid to enable you to consume liquids, and as such is required to be taken onto the flight.

The simple mention of the word 'disability' should put them on notice that reasonable adjustments need to be made in your case.

GwylimT

Macca83 wrote: »

That's what I'd be worried about. One guard may let it slide but you may find that on your return the other airport may not allow it. But on saying that, how do mothers with small children manage with feed bottles and toddler cups.

If you take ready made baby milk you normally have to drink some at security, no idea why anyone would do that anyway as you can only keep it for half an hour.

Contessa

An empty bottle is fine. I can't remember if there are any water fountains in the departure section at Heathrow.

zzzLazyDaisy

But there will be a Boots or WH Smith where OP can purchase a bottle of water and decant it into the drinking bottle.